It has been an absolutely beautiful three days here in Saratoga, so let’s end the week on a very sunny note by putting together some winning tickets!
Be sure to tune in at 12:30 PM EST for our Let ‘em Run Podcast, where myself and my partner John Kostin will break down all the races after morning scratches are announced. You can watch us live on the Sports Talk Media Network, as well as across multiple streaming apps and social media channels.
Here is our initial horse-by-horse breakdown for the Saturday Late Pick 5 sequence at Saratoga, spanning Races 8 through 12.
This is a good-looking turf route to open up our sequence. The #12 Kokomotion (3-1) looks to be the best filly in the field overall, but she will have to overcome a tough, wide post position; morning scratches will definitely help her chances. A runner who benefits from a much better post, combined with solid early speed, is the #1 Bourbon Betty (8-1). Ridden by jockey Dylan Davis, she could easily get a jump on the field out of the gate.
🏁 Race 9 (5:07 PM EST) — The Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (Gr. 2)
Distance: 6 Furlongs (Dirt)
Purse: $400,000
In this major sprint test, we love the #1 Damon’s Mound (4-1) for trainer William Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado—always a winning combination at the Spa. Per Brisnet stats, the rail post at this six-furlong distance hits at a powerful 42% win clip, and this runner absolutely loves the trip.
🏁 Race 10 (5:45 PM EST) — The Coaching Club American Oaks (Gr. 1)
Distance: 1 1/8 Miles (Dirt)
Purse: $500,000
This is a great edition of the CCA Oaks, featuring a extremely salty, deep field of three-year-old fillies. While we are landing on a few runners in this leg to protect our ticket, we are really loving the #3 La Rascasse (8-1), trained by Will Walden. Jockey Axel Concepcion comes to Saratoga for his only mount of the day, making this a very intentional ship-in. Another dangerous runner is the #8 Zany (9-2). Jockey John Velazquez takes over the reins for Irad Ortiz Jr., and we think that jockey switch makes a huge difference in giving this runner the right trip to get back to the winning form she showed in her first three starts.
🏁 Race 11 (6:19 PM EST) — Allowance (ALWN1X)
Distance: 5 ½ Furlongs (Turf)
Purse: $105,000
Turf sprints at Saratoga are always tough, and scratches (which come out later) will have a massive impact on this big field. We like the #7 Dancingwithdestiny (4-1) to break sharply, get out to the lead, and keep going with jockey Katie Davis maintaining the mount. Shortening up in distance adds to her overall appeal. If a blistering speed duel unfolds early, look for the #2 Sinead (8-1) and the #9 She’s Our Tiz (8-1) to take full advantage late.
🏁 Race 12 (6:52 PM EST) — Maiden Claiming (MSW/MCL50K)
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles (Turf)
Purse: $50,000
This is another wide-open, big field where we will be paying very close attention to scratches. We lean toward the #5 Lobbyist (3-1), who raced impressively two starts back at this exact level and distance. Jockey Dylan Davis maintains the ride for trainer David Donk—Double “D” jockey and Double “D” trainer makes for an interesting winning combo to close out the card.
🎫 The Suggested Late Pick 5 Ticket
Here is how we are laying out our baseline multi-race play prior to final scratch announcements:
Late Pick 5 Play: 1,2,4,9,12 / 1,4,6 / 1,3,6,8 / 4,7,9 / 5,7 Total Ticket Cost: $180 (5 x 3 x 4 x 3 x 2 = 360 combinations @ $0.50)
Be sure to take our picks, combine them with your own handicapping opinions, and put together some winning combinations.
No matter how you decide to play the card today, good luck, bet smart, and cheer hard. Fast horses equal serious fun and in the end, Let ‘em Run!
🎙️ Live Show & Scratch Updates
Don’t miss our final race updates! Tune in live to the Let ’em Run Podcast today at 12:30 PM EST after scratch sheets are finalized. Catch the broadcast on the Sports Talk Media Network, across all major streaming platforms, and on our official social media channels.
